Pisang Peak Expedition - 21 Days
Pisang Peak Expedition Highlights
- A premier trekking peak in Nepal's Annapurna region offering unparalleled exploration and adventure.
- Features a hanging glacier and massive rock slabs on the western flank.
- Combines the classic Annapurna Circuit trek with Pisang Peak climbing, accessible even to those with limited climbing experience.
- Rises gracefully above Pisang village and yak pastures, culminating in a final summit pyramid of ice and snow.
- Base camp at a serene Kharka (4,380m) and high camp on the South-West Ridge (5,400m), with breathtaking views and snow from November to March.
- Descent follows the same captivating route, ensuring unforgettable memories of the adventure.
- Combines the natural beauty of the Annapurna region with the thrill of high-altitude climbing.
Pisang Peak Expedition Overview
Pisang Peak climbing is the crown jewel among trekking peaks in Nepal’s Annapurna region, offering an unparalleled scope for exploration and adventure. Its western flank, adorned by a hanging glacier, presents a formidable challenge, while the massive rock slabs guarding the western ridge add to the thrill. This majestic peak, first conquered by a German expedition in 1955, stands as the truncated southern end of the mountain, showcasing steeply tilted rock formations and impressive rock slabs further down the valley.
Pisang Peak’s allure lies in its accessibility and the seamless blend it offers with the classic Annapurna Circuit trek. Even those with limited climbing experience can savor the exhilarating taste of Himalayan climbing. Rising majestically above Pisang village and yak pastures, the peak ascends in a graceful slope of ice and snow, culminating in the final summit pyramid. Known as one of the easier climbing peaks in Nepal, Pisang Peak provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring climbers.
The journey to the base camp from Pisang village takes trekkers through sparse woodlands and pastures, reaching a serene Kharka at 4,380 meters, the ideal spot for setting up base camp. The high camp, positioned at 5,400 meters on the South-West Ridge, offers breathtaking views and a thrilling ascent. From late November to March, expect snow at the high camp, adding to the adventure. The well-defined ridge leads climbers to the final snow slope, steep yet manageable, rewarding them with the exhilarating summit. Descent follows the same captivating route, leaving climbers with unforgettable memories of their Pisang Peak adventure.
This peak promises a heart-pounding, soul-stirring experience, combining the natural beauty of the Annapurna region with the thrill of high-altitude climbing. Embrace the challenge and let the majestic Pisang Peak ignite your adventurous spirit.
Pisang Peak Expedition Map & Elevation
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Glacier will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy some leisure time before a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Preparation for the Climb
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual sites, including World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa. In the afternoon, attend a pre-trip discussion where you’ll meet your trek leader and team members. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Besisahar by Bus (850m/2,790ft) – 7-8 hours
Begin your adventure with an early morning bus ride to Besisahar. The journey offers fascinating glimpses of daily life in various small villages. Arrive in Besisahar by evening. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 04: Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m/4,298ft) – 5-6 hours
Start your trek crossing suspension bridges, passing waterfalls, and traversing hills, rice paddies, and subtropical forests. Ascend to Bahundanda, a village set on a ridge at 1,310m. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 05: Bahundanda to Chamje (1,430m/4,690ft) – 5-6 hours
Descend through rice terraces and lush forests, then gradually ascend after crossing a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River. Reach Chamje after passing through intriguing villages and lush landscapes. Overnight in Chamje.
Day 06: Chamje to Dharapani (1,950m/6,396ft) – 5-6 hours
Cross a suspension bridge and enter Manang district, walking through fields of corn, barley, and potatoes, and forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. Continue along cliff-side paths to reach Dharapani. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 07: Dharapani to Chame (2,630m/8,628ft) – 5-6 hours
Trek through steep, forested landscapes with stunning views of major Himalayan peaks. Encounter typical Tibetan villages before reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 08: Chame to Upper Pisang (3,700m/12,136ft) – 5-6 hours
Follow a narrow path through dense pine forests to a dramatic rock face. The trail opens up to Himalayan peaks, leading to Upper Pisang after a final ascent. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 09: Acclimatization Day in Upper Pisang (3,700m/12,136ft)
Spend the day acclimatizing and setting up climbing gear. Enjoy magnificent views of the Annapurnas, Gangapurna, and Tilicho. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 10: Trek to Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380m/14,370ft) – 3-4 hours
Ascend through sparse woods and pastures to Kharka, an ideal spot for base camp. The trail is well-worn and flat. Overnight in a tent.
Day 11: Trek to Pisang Peak High Camp (5,400m/17,712ft) – 3-4 hours Climb to the shoulder on the south-west ridge and set up high camp. Expect snow from November to March. Overnight in a tent.
Day 12: Summit Pisang Peak and Return to Base Camp (6,091m/19,980ft) – 7-9 hours
Fulfill your dream by summiting Pisang Peak. The well-defined ridge leads to a steep, technical snow slope. Our guide will fix ropes to aid the ascent. After the summit, descend to base camp. Overnight in a tent.
Day 13: Pisang Peak Base Camp to Manang Valley (3,450m/11,316ft) – 5-6 hours
Descend to Pisang village and continue to Manang, walking alongside the riverside. Notice the contrast in landscape and vegetation. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 14: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,480ft) – 3-4 hours
After breakfast, continue your trek with a short walk up to Yak Kharka, a small settlement set at 4,110m. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 15: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft) – 3-4 hours
Trek to Thorong Phedi, a busy settlement catering to trekkers and climbers, situated at the bottom of Thorong La pass. Overnight in Thorong Phedi.
Day 16: Cross Thorong La and Descend to Muktinath (5,416m/17,765ft) – 8-10 hours
Begin early to cross the Thorong La pass, a memorable experience with outstanding views. Descend to Muktinath by evening. Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 17: Trek to Kagbeni (3-4 hours)
Enjoy an easy walk down to Kagbeni, passing Jharkot, a village with Tibetan-like culture. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 18: Trek to Jomsom (2,800m/9,184ft) – 3-4 hours
Walk along the Kali Gandaki riverbed, searching for fossils. Reach Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang, and visit the Ecological Museum. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 19: Early Morning Flight to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft) – 25 minutes
Take a Trans Himalayan flight to Pokhara, enjoying spectacular views. Spend the afternoon exploring Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 20: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, passing cultivated lands and local villages. Arrive in Kathmandu by afternoon and celebrate with a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 21: Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward destination, or continue with your next adventure if booked with us.
Cost Includes
› Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle).
› Government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
› Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment.
› Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip.
› Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip).
› First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible).
› Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley by private vehicle and a professional guide and sightseeing fees.
› All the required permits and paperwork.
Cost Excludes
Θ International Airfare.
Θ Visa Charges.
Θ Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses).
Θ Lunch and Dinner while you are in Kathmandu.
Θ Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking, or domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Θ Your travel and medical insurance.
Θ Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc.
Θ Food and accommodations in Kathmandu.
Θ Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency.
Θ Tips for the guide, porter & driver. (Tipping is Expected).
Θ Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
Θ Group and Family Discounts please contact us or send us an email at realjourneynepal@gmail.com
How fit do I need to be to do this trek?
To undertake the Pisang Peak expedition, you need to be in good physical shape, capable of walking 5-7 hours a day on steep, rugged terrain. Cardiovascular fitness, leg and core strength, and previous high-altitude hiking experience are crucial. Strength training exercises like squats and lunges, along with regular cardio workouts, will prepare you for the demands of the trek. Acclimatization is vital, as the trek reaches heights above 6,000 meters, and flexibility and balance exercises like yoga can enhance your stability on uneven paths. Mental resilience is also important, as high-altitude trekking can be challenging. Overall, a few months of dedicated training will greatly improve your trekking experience.
How long do we walk every day when doing the Pisang Peak Expedition?
The trek typically is explored between 5 to 7 hours each day during the Pisang Peak expedition. This duration varies depending on the terrain and altitude gained each day. Trekking hours can sometimes extend to accommodate steeper ascents or challenging sections, especially as you approach higher altitudes and more rugged landscapes.
What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?
The highest altitude reached during the Pisang Peak expedition is 6,091 meters (19,980 feet) at the summit of Pisang Peak itself.
Is it necessary to hire guides/trekking agency for this trekking?
Yes, it is highly recommended to hire guides or a trekking agency for the Yala Peak Expedition or any similar high-altitude and technically challenging trek. Here are a few reasons why:
Safety and Expertise: Guides and trekking agencies have extensive knowledge of the terrain, weather conditions, and the technical aspects of climbing Ama Dablam. They can navigate challenging routes, assess risks, and provide emergency assistance if needed.
Logistics and Support: Trekking agencies arrange necessary logistics such as permits, transportation, accommodation, and meals. They also provide support staff like porters and cooks, allowing climbers to focus on the climb.
Local Knowledge and Cultural Insight: Guides offer insights into local culture, traditions, and history, enriching the trekking experience. They can also facilitate interactions with local communities along the route.
Legal Requirements: Some areas, including Ama Dablam, may have legal requirements mandating climbers to be accompanied by licensed guides or agencies for safety and environmental reasons.
Environmental Conservation: Trekking agencies often adhere to responsible tourism practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting sustainable trekking practices in sensitive areas like the Khumbu region.
While it’s possible to attempt the Ama Dablam climb independently for experienced climbers with appropriate permits and equipment, the expertise, safety, and logistical support provided by guides and trekking agencies greatly enhance the chances of a successful and safe expedition.
What kind of weather and temperature can I expect while trekking?
While trekking Pisang Peak, the weather and temperatures vary based on the season:
Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times to trek Pisang Peak. The weather is generally stable with mild temperatures during the day (around 10-15°C at lower altitudes) and cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. Expect occasional rain showers in lower regions and clear skies in higher elevations. Nights can be chilly, especially as you ascend.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August): This period brings warmer temperatures during the day (15-20°C at lower altitudes) and occasional rain showers, which can be heavy and persistent, particularly in July and August. The trails may be slippery, and there is a higher risk of landslides in some sections. However, the landscapes are lush and green.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another ideal season for trekking Pisang Peak. The weather is stable and clear, with mild to warm daytime temperatures (15-20°C at lower altitudes) and cooler temperatures at higher elevations. The skies are usually clear, offering stunning views of the mountains. Nights start getting colder as November approaches.
Winter (December to February): Winter brings cold temperatures throughout the trekking route, especially at higher altitudes. Daytime temperatures range from 5-10°C at lower altitudes but can drop below freezing at higher elevations. The trails may be snowy and icy, particularly above 4,000 meters. Guesthouses at higher elevations may be closed, and the trekking route can be challenging due to snow accumulation.
Always be prepared for sudden weather changes and pack accordingly with layered clothing suitable for both warm and cold conditions.
Is it possible to use credit cards in the places I visit during the trek?
Nepalese Rupees cash is preferred to a credit card while trekking in the mountain region. Exchanging your cash into Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu before the beginning of the trek is ideal. This can be accomplished at the airport, at banks, or at your hotel. Please note the hotels will exchange up to about USD 100 for each transaction only. There are few ATMs up to higher altitudes but can be unreliable. The currency exchange rate is better in Kathmandu.
Are your guides certified by the hotel management and tourism center? Have they undergone specific training for high-altitude conditions?
We offer licensed trekking guides fluent in English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center following a 45-day training program. Additionally, they receive high-altitude training from the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).
